Virtual construction is rapidly becoming integral to modern construction projects, even in organizations with limited Building Information Modeling (BIM) maturity. Developers increasingly demand BIM implementation in both design and execution phases. Lean construction tools, proven effective globally, can significantly enhance organizational efficiency, development speed, and competitiveness.
This article explores how applying Lean principles to virtual construction – specifically, optimizing the BIM process itself – can unlock substantial improvements. While Lean and BIM are often combined to streamline physical construction, the potential for using Lean to improve the BIM workflow remains largely unexplored.
The Need for Lean BIM
Achieving true BIM excellence requires more than technical expertise. A holistic approach, leveraging Lean tools, can identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies within the virtual construction process. The focus shifts from simply using BIM to optimizing how BIM is created, managed, and utilized.
One powerful tool for this is the Supplier, Input, Process, Output, Customer (SIPOC) Map. Developed by O’Connor and Swain, SIPOC maps visualize process elements, facilitating system-level thinking and common understanding. By framing the process from the “customer’s” perspective, SIPOC helps ensure that every step delivers tangible value.
Applying the SIPOC Map to Virtual Construction
The SIPOC process begins by identifying the supplier (e.g., design documents), followed by listing the inputs (e.g., design information, building specifications). The process itself (e.g., virtual modeling) is then defined, along with its outputs (e.g., 3D models, quantity takeoffs). Finally, the customer (e.g., construction team, project owner) is identified.
The following case study illustrates how SIPOC can be applied to a typical virtual design and construction workflow, broken down into four sequential processes: planning, modeling, BIM analysis, and 5D emission.
1. Planning Process: Engineers receive design documents and verify completeness. The output is virtual construction file templates, molded to specific building element specifications. This stage guides the creation of virtual components based on design requirements.
2. Modeling Process: Construction technicians build virtual models in BIM software. A real-world construction sequence should inspire the modeling process: structure, architecture, plumbing, electrical, and communication systems. This ensures the virtual model accurately reflects the physical build.
3. BIM Analysis Process: BIM analysts receive 3D models and create coordination models using software like Navisworks Manage. The goal is to identify and resolve potential construction issues through Requests For Information (RFIs). The output is an RFI-integrated 3D model accessible through software like Navisworks Freedom.
4. 5D Emission Process: Civil engineers generate quantities of construction elements from updated 3D models using software like Vico Takeoff Manager. This process supports construction planning with reliable quantities, but requires designers to align their designs and the virtual construction team to update 3D models accordingly.
Leveraging SIPOC for Optimization
Through Lean tools like SIPOC, virtual construction teams can visualize the entire process, identify unnecessary activities, and resequence steps for maximum efficiency. By questioning each input and output, teams can streamline workflows, eliminate waste, and improve overall productivity.
The SIPOC map is the first step in a broader process improvement effort. By focusing on what truly adds value, virtual construction teams can unlock significant gains in efficiency and quality.
Ultimately, applying Lean principles to BIM isn’t just about improving how we use virtual construction; it’s about optimizing the process itself. This holistic approach is essential for achieving true BIM excellence and maximizing the benefits of this powerful technology
